The Reflexio Podcast

Don Little
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Reflexio, Latin for “reflection,” helps us think deeply about the implications of the exciting shifts in the global mission movement. Reflexio’s purpose is to contribute to conversations within our global Christian community by sharing thoughtful and respectful conversations with men and women from across the globe. We highlight the voices of mission practitioners who are seldom part of our conversations to better learn from one another. Meet the Host Don Little In addition to producing and hosting the Reflexio Podcast, Don serves as Pioneers’ Missiologist-at-Large. In this role, he serves as a ministry consultant and mission theologian—encouraging, counseling, and training missionaries around the world. He is also co-founder, director, and professor at the Lilias Trotter Center, which equips Christians for thoughtful and informed engagement with Islam and with Muslims. Don wrote the vital resource: Effective Discipling in Muslim Communities: Scripture, History and Seasoned Practices. (IVP, 2015) We want to thank Jenn Chen for co-hosting Reflexio's first ten episodes. Together with her husband Jenn co-leads Summit Clear, a leadership mentoring ministry. Jenn is the author of Dim Sum and Faith: How our Stories Form our Souls. (IVP, 2025)

  1. 2D AGO

    Hardship, Healing, and House Churches in South Asia

    Zafrin Billah grew up in a highly respected, deeply devout Muslim family in South Asia and once found “peace” in persecuting Christians. In this episode, he shares with Don his conversion story as well as his call to full-time service in God’s Kingdom.  Today, Zafrin serves as a missionary and pastor, working by faith in a context where over 90% of the population is Muslim and social pressure against Christians is intense. He leads a small, emerging ministry that combines outreach and discipleship with practical training for women from Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. In their training center, they weave together Scripture and gospel-based curricula with income-generating skills. Zafrin trains house church members to be “salt” and “fruitful trees,” to resolve conflict biblically, to live by faith financially, and encourages every believer to make at least two new disciples each year, as they pray for the emergence of many more house churches and partners in prayer. This episode will be an encouragement to anyone serving among Muslims or Hindus. Zafrin’s testimony is evidence of God’s faithfulness in the midst of challenging and difficult circumstances! Maranatha Gospel Church: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DNAFa5Eyx/ Contact Zafrin by email: maranathagospelchurch.bd@gmail.com Upcoming Episodes Episode 17: Don talks with Mrs. Ghazala Shafique, a courageous and passionate Pakistani activist leading multiple efforts to aid minorities. She rescues child brides, serves the underserved, plants churches, debates high profile Muslim clerics online, and protests injustice. Many have tried to stop her work, which is well known in Pakistan. Don't miss this interview with an incredible woman of God.  Episode 18: Pastor Kaveh Hassanzadeh, leader of a thriving Persian church in Australia, shares his surprising conversion after fleeing Iran and how a key mentor shaped his faith and life. He reveals important insights for forming mature, emotionally healthy believers from Muslim backgrounds in flourishing churches—and how God is now using him to plant multiple Iranian BMB churches. A must-listen for anyone engaging Muslims in the diaspora. Make sure to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating on your favorite podcasting platform. Let your friends know about The Reflexio Podcast and encourage them to Subscribe to receive an email when new episodes drop!

    1h 2m

  2. APR 8

    Peter Macharia’s Apostolic work among Muslims in Sudan, Djibouti, and Coastal Kenya

    Kenyan mission leader Peter Macharia never planned to become an apostolic catalyst to some of the least-reached Muslims in East Africa. In this conversation with Don Little, he traces a surprising journey that runs through war-torn Sudan, high-risk ministry in Djibouti, and a creative outreach hub on the coast of Kenya. Peter has wrestled with Western theological teaching that doesn't touch people’s real fears, or address persecution, and discovered why discipleship and costly hospitality cannot be separated. He describes his life and work at Amani Acres, where he and Esther are quietly shaping a new generation of young African leaders to live and witness among Muslim communities. Peter shares his conviction that ordinary believers in places like Africa, Latin America, and Asia are “11th-hour workers” called to live sacrificial, hospitable lives that make disciples among unreached Muslims. If you care about discipleship, cross-cultural mission, or the future of Africans leading ministries to the Muslim world, you will not want to miss the stories, insights, and surprises in this episode. Upcoming Episodes Episode 16: Don interviews Zafrin Billah, a young church planter in South Asia, about his remarkable conversion from a devout Muslim family and his eventual calling into full-time ministry in his own country.  Episode 17: Don talks with Mrs. Ghazala Shafique, a courageous and passionate Pakistani activist leading multiple efforts to aid minorities. She rescues child brides, serves the underserved, plants churches, debates high profile Muslim clerics online, and protests injustice. Many have tried to stop her work, which is well known in Pakistan. Don't miss this interview with an incredible woman of God. Let your friends know about The Reflexio Podcast and encourage them to Subscribe!

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 25

    Nelson Makanda’s Journey into training Christ‑Centered African Leaders

    Don talks with Dr. Nelson Makanda about how God formed him from a village boy in western Kenya into a leader serving churches and institutions across Africa. Nelson recalls his family’s coming to faith, his mother’s healing, and how early discipleship in a small Pentecostal church and student leadership in high school and university began to shape his character and calling.​ He goes on to describe how his involvement with FOCUS Kenya, including mentoring relationships and early ministry roles, helped clarify his calling and opened doors into wider responsibility. The conversation traces key transitions from student ministry to pastoral work, to leadership of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, and now to his role as Vice Chancellor at Africa International University (AIU). Nelson emphasizes AIU’s mission to train Christ-centered leaders, for the church and for the marketplace. He discusses the unique context of Africa as the “Christian continent of the future,” highlighting the need for ethical, missional, and global training for young people. He explains why a deep understanding of Scripture, Christlike character, and a well-rounded Christian education are important for the future of the church in Africa and its role in the world. Upcoming Episodes Episode 15: Don is delighted to introduce you to his friend, Peter Macharia, a Kenyan pioneer missionary serving among Muslims in East Africa. Peter leads a church planting ministry among unreached Muslim peoples on the Kenyan coast. Episode 16: Zafrin Billah, a young church planter in South Asia, talks with Don about his remarkable conversion from a devout Muslim family, and how God eventually called him into full-time ministry in his own country.  Make sure to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating on your favorite podcasting platform. Sign up for our newsletter at reflexio.org/subscribe to receive an email when new episodes drop.

    47 min

  4. MAR 19

    For Such a Time as This: An Iranian Pastor on War, Hope and Revival

    Show Notes If you want to better understand the spiritual, political, and human dynamics of what God is doing in Iran today—and how to stand with Iranian Christians in informed, hope-filled prayer—this conversation is a must-listen.  Mehrdad traces the story of Iran’s modern spiritual awakening, beginning in the 1990s after the killing of several clergy, and the emergence of a movement that may now be described as one of the fastest-growing churches in the world. He describes how the majority of new believers are from a Muslim background, with estimates of at least one million Christians now in Iran, and how hunger for Scripture and leadership training has only intensified under persecution.  He shares how Pars Theological Center began in response to this rapidly growing Iranian church in order to train leaders and pastors—many of them active in underground house fellowships across Iran and in the diaspora. This includes theological training, in-person formation conferences in nearby countries, a counseling ministry, and publishing resources in Farsi to disciple believers. The conversation turns to the recent protests, crackdowns, and shocking mass killings—events that have profoundly shaken both the nation and the church. Mehrdad speaks candidly about Christians’ participation in the demonstrations, the high cost many have paid, and the deep lament, imprecatory prayer, and spiritual wrestling marking Iranian believers as they struggle to love their enemies while crying out for God’s justice.  Mehrdad closes the episode with specific, practical ways listeners can pray: for a true regime change that leads to a democratic Iran, for the protection and freedom of the church, for the honoring of Iranians’ agency, and for the readiness and unity of Iranian believers in this moment of possible new beginnings. Visit: Pars Theological Centre Upcoming Episodes Episode 14: While visiting Nairobi last September, Don sat down with Dr. Nelson Makanda, Vice Chancellor of Africa International University. Nelson shared about his faith journey, his vision for the church in Kenya and some personal stories of hardship and faith. Episode 15: Don is delighted to introduce you to his friend, Peter Macharia, a Kenyan pioneer missionary serving among Muslims in East Africa. Peter leads a church planting ministry among unreached Muslim peoples on the Kenyan coast. Make sure to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating on your favorite podcasting platform. Sign up for our newsletter at reflexio.org/subscribe to receive an email when new episodes drop.

    1h 3m

  5. MAR 11

    Snake Temple becomes Dynamic Church in Kolkata

    Show Notes: In this episode, Pastor Partha describes a childhood shaped by multiple household gods, Sanskrit chanting, and strict rituals. However, through the quiet witness of a faithful missionary as well as miraculous answers to prayer (provision of food, an uncle’s healing), his extended family was led to Jesus. Over time, the idols were removed from the home and a church was built on land owned by the family– land that once housed a “snake temple.” That church has now baptized more than 450 former Hindus! Partha reflects with Don on discipling new believers amid persecution, and walking with God through bereavement. He also shares the exciting ways he reaches out to Muslims using the Qur’an as a bridge, as well as in public debates with Muslim scholars. Finally, Partha offers wise counsel to young adults as he encourages them to wait on the Lord, stay in Scripture, and seek out Christian mentors as keys to mature Christian discipleship. Visit Partha's YouTube channel here: The Truth is Jesus Upcoming Episodes: Episode 13: While visiting Nairobi last September, Don sat down with Dr. Nelson Makanda, Vice Chancellor of Africa International University. Nelson shared about his faith journey, his vision for the church in Kenya and some personal stories of hardship and faith. Episode 14: Don is delighted to introduce you to his friend, Peter Macharia, a Kenyan pioneer missionary serving among Muslims in East Africa. During his visit to Kenya last September he sat with Peter in an empty room in a guest house and interviewed him. Make sure to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating on your favorite podcasting platform. Sign up for our newsletter at reflexio.org/subscribe to receive an email when new episodes drop.

    1h 8m

  6. FEB 25

    Anwar’s Story: From Muslim Convert to Missionary Trainer

    Listen in as Don talks with Anwar, an Ethiopian brother, and discovers how dreams, Bible study, persecution and perseverance shaped Anwar’s conversion and discipleship journey. His quest for truth led him to study deeply both the Qur’an and the Bible, discovering that in Jesus, the Truth is found. Deciding to follow Jesus set him free– but also led to intense difficulties. He shares how he navigated family rejection, discrimination, and economic hardship after his conversion. In his early years of ministry, despite these difficulties, Anwar shared the Gospel boldly with his family and friends, challenging them to discover what he did: new life in Christ. The miraculous healing of a friend led to many more coming to faith, and ultimately to Anwar’s decision to leave a lucrative job in order to serve God in ministry full-time. In time God blessed him with his wife from a solid and supportive Christian family. Over the past 20 years, Anwar has taught, discipled and mobilized dozens of people to reach Muslims in the Horn of Africa.  Don’t miss this story of conviction, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity! Upcoming Episodes Episode 12: In this episode, you'll meet Partha, a young high-caste Hindu convert to Christ who is now leading church planting teams ministering in Kolkatta, India, among both Hindus and Muslims. Episode 13: While visiting Nairobi last September, Don sat down with Dr. Nelson Makanda, Vice Chancellor of Africa International University. Nelson shared about his faith journey, his vision for the church in Kenya and some personal stories of hardship and faith. Visit: The Evangelical Theological College

    50 min

  7. FEB 11

    A Kenyan Woman’s Powerful Impact

    In this episode, Carol shares about her upbringing in a Christian home, her early faith experiences, and the profound impact of losing her mother at fourteen. This deep loss led to a season of wrestling with God, but also solidified her commitment to serving him. She describes the transition from being a vibrant participant in university Christian Unions to stepping into formal ministry roles. While at times facing resistance as a woman in leadership, she found her path through mentorship, theological training, and obedience to her calling. Her professional journey includes working with student ministries, adult training in churches, peace and reconciliation projects in conflict zones, and ultimately, leadership in Africa Rural Trainers. Through ART she has overseen the training of hundreds of rural pastors who often lack access to formal theological education. ART’s programs are highly contextual, gathering pastors of various denominations for learning in local languages, enabling them to remain embedded in their communities during the multi-year training. This conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and the changing landscape of church leadership in Kenya, including greater inclusion of women. Carol also discusses the challenges and joys of ministry life, as well as marriage and parenting in the midst of demanding travel schedules. She also offers practical wisdom for young people discerning their callings, the necessity of godly counsel and supportive peers, the centrality of drawing daily spiritual encouragement from scripture, and the vital experience of the presence and faithfulness of God. The ministry that Carol now leads: https://africaruraltrainers.org/ Upcoming Episodes Episode 11: You won't want to miss the inspiring story of Professor Anwar, a convert from a strong Muslim family in Ethiopia who is now the dean of a leading seminary who runs a Master's degree program equipping men and women in ministry to Muslims. Episode 12: In this episode, you'll meet Partha, a young high-caste Hindu convert to Christ who is now leading church planting teams ministering in Kolkatta, India, among both Hindus and Muslims.

    56 min

  8. JAN 28

    A Somali’s Resilient Faith Through Persecution

    Born the son of a Muslim cleric and raised in Mogadishu, Somalia, Aweis Ali shares his remarkable journey of faith in one of the most dangerous countries for Christians. From the impact of a radio ministry, to his isolation as an underground believer, to his leadership of a house church eventually devastated by persecution and loss, Aweis details the story of how God developed him into a national ministry leader and the founder of the Somali Bible Society. Show Notes: Within one of the world’s most hostile environments Aweis describes his search for spiritual truth, his discovery of Christ, and the profound isolation of being a believer in a context where his faith would cost him everything. Aweis recounts how he eventually found community in an underground house church as well as the challenges of practicing faith without formal theological training.  Amidst the rising tensions that emerged as the tiny house church grew, Aweis shares personal experiences of persecution, prophetic visions, leadership transitions, and the devastating human cost of religious extremism. He also discusses the remarkable faithfulness and spiritual resolve demonstrated by his church community despite increasing danger. Themes of divine providence, spiritual resilience, and faithful witness emerge as Aweis reflects on how his faith sustained him through extraordinary trials. The interview concludes with his reflections on how the Somali church is growing and maturing in the midst of—and because of—intense persecution. Check out these links to explore more Dr. Aweis Ali's ministry: Aweis Ali's personal website The Somali Bible Society An-Nour Academy Upcoming Episodes You won't want to miss the inspiring story of Carol, the Kenyan woman leading a ministry equipping rural pastors (Ep 10), or Professor Anwar, a convert from a strong Muslim family in Ethiopia who is now the dean of a leading seminary who runs a Master's degree program equipping men and women in ministry to Muslims (Ep 11). In upcoming episodes you'll also meet a Kenyan leader with a passion for training biblically informed pastors and another Kenyan leading pioneer church planting ministry among Muslims. You'll also meet others from Iran, Australia, South Asia, Sudan, the Middle East, and beyond.

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Reflexio, Latin for “reflection,” helps us think deeply about the implications of the exciting shifts in the global mission movement. Reflexio’s purpose is to contribute to conversations within our global Christian community by sharing thoughtful and respectful conversations with men and women from across the globe. We highlight the voices of mission practitioners who are seldom part of our conversations to better learn from one another. Meet the Host Don Little In addition to producing and hosting the Reflexio Podcast, Don serves as Pioneers’ Missiologist-at-Large. In this role, he serves as a ministry consultant and mission theologian—encouraging, counseling, and training missionaries around the world. He is also co-founder, director, and professor at the Lilias Trotter Center, which equips Christians for thoughtful and informed engagement with Islam and with Muslims. Don wrote the vital resource: Effective Discipling in Muslim Communities: Scripture, History and Seasoned Practices. (IVP, 2015) We want to thank Jenn Chen for co-hosting Reflexio's first ten episodes. Together with her husband Jenn co-leads Summit Clear, a leadership mentoring ministry. Jenn is the author of Dim Sum and Faith: How our Stories Form our Souls. (IVP, 2025)

Information

  • Creator
    Don Little
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Reflexio Podcast. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Reflexio Podcast